In today's Australian newspaper. You will soon be pissing in a jar or breathing in a bag after you fight your way through "security."
Article:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...5E2702,00.html
Inquiry report:
http://www.dotars.gov.au/avnapt/sepb...aft_Report.pdf
Hamilton Island occurence report:
http://www.atsb.gov.au/aviation/occu...ail.cfm?ID=442
Text from
The Australian article.....
Inquiry backs drug tests for air workers
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
20jul05
A FEDERAL government investigation prompted by a fatal plane crash at Hamilton Island in 2002 has backed the introduction of mandated drug and alcohol testing for the aviation industry.
A draft report by the Transport Department and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority estimates that up to 8per cent of pilots are alcohol-dependent, with maintenance personnel, flight attendants and management similarly affected.
The report, a final version of which is due to go to Transport Minister Warren Truss next month, backs drug and alcohol testing for "safety-sensitive" aviation jobs.
Current laws do not allow CASA to test aviation workers in its capacity as regulator, or for air safety investigators to conduct tests during inquiries. Police also have no authority to detain or test pilots suspected of substance abuse.
"Safety is the key issue," the report says. "Aviation operations present a potential risk to public safety if not undertaken in a safe manner. Alcohol and drug use pose a real challenge to ensuring such operational safety."
While there is no precise definition of "safety-sensitive", the report points to US definitions that go beyond air crew to include air traffic controllers, rescue and firefighting personnel, refuellers and even baggage handlers.
Testing would be managed by industry and law enforcement agencies who would report to CASA. The report discusses a range of testing options and notes that random tests, which have in the past been opposed by unions and civil libertarians, have a "pro-active deterrent effect".
"The submissions provided and information available strongly suggest that a flexible mix of testing including pre-employment, random, on suspicion/reasonable cause, post-incident or accident and post-treatment is appropriate," it says. It also recommends the testing be supported by worker education as well as treatment options, rehabilitation measures and re-certification processes.
The Government launched the review after a New Zealand family of four, an American on his honeymoon, and a 27-year-old pilot died when a small plane crashed on take-off from Hamilton Island in September 2002.
Air safety investigators said last year that they could not rule out the combined effect of fatigue, cannabis use and drinking as a factor in the crash and described the testing issue as a significant concern.
But the report warns there is still complacency in the industry. "Indeed, the very existence of substance abuse, and therefore the need for testing or any response, is still disputed by some elements of the community," it says.
The report also cites studies supporting the effectiveness of drug and alcohol testing, including one showing that accidents at a US railway company fell tenfold over five years once a program was introduced.